Pages

Thursday, February 23, 2012

THINGS I'VE LEARNED WORKING WITH VINTAGE PATTERNS

Q: Do I need an actual vintage pattern to create a retro look like the dress above?

A: No. But being a perennial student of fashion and working with a set of instructions over 50 years old is nothing short of, like WOW, so totally awesome! For me, vintage patterns offer up an experience about as close to to time travel as I'm ever going to get. These are the images I grew up with . . . sewing patterns from the 1950s-60s. Moms and grandmas back then more often than not owned a sewing machine they actually put some wear and tear on. These patterns were inspiration points for me; the models in the illustrations looking like something you’d find on an episode of Mad Men. I never forgot those nipped in waistlines and yards of skirt, collecting an array of 50s chic as well as patterns through the years. Here are a few things I learned along the way working with vintage patterns:

1. Not only are silhouettes reminiscent of an era, did you know overall cut, types of darts and dart lines are as well?

2. With all the changes in machinery over the last thirty plus years as well as hemming products, range of notions available and faster techniques, whoever is making your dress will have to know how to adapt instructions provided by the original pattern.

3. Unlike today's patterns that include multiple sizes in one package, those from yesteryear are a one size only deal.

And speaking of Mad Men, I have to put a plug in for Janie Bryant, the designer/stylist on the show. She has such an incredible eye for detail. If you check out the backs of most of the dresses, they have the lapped zipper application so popular back then. While not my fave way of closing up the back of a dress, kudos to Janie. It's little things like this that make the scenes all the more authentic.

7 comments:

Lovely! I've never thought about how different it would be today to try to follow instructions on a vintage pattern. I have the book the Mad Men designs by Janie Bryant and love it! {Thanks for stopping by Ooh La Frou Frou, sweets!} ~xoSM

Search This Blog

AMY-JO TATUM ON ETSY

.

.

.

LOVE THE CUSTOM LOOK BUT NOT THE PRICE?

.

.

.

PRESS

About Me

I initially created this space for my clients. Eventually brides looking for that touch of wow found their way here. Draping and playing with fabric started some twenty years back when I did a three-year stint as a bridal fabrics buyer. After that I opened Bridal Alternatives, a custom design studio and ever since have had the opportunity of working with brides who want that extraordinary one-of-a-kind dress. I'm in love with fashion history and re-invention of the past.
Other connections to fashion? I’ve been a columnist for San Francisco Art and Fashion News and have a weekly fashion buzz on One Wed Blog. I founded The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. I’m currently working on a book called—you guessed it—'Bride Chic', all about that white gown and very special designer/client relationship. I live with my husband Edgar and Chihuahua Piccalina in Marin County California.
Want to see more of what I do? Check out my site at www.amyjotatum.com or call me 415.336.3480

.

DISCLAIMER

Please note some images on Bride Chic are photos from previous shoots and editorials of my collection pieces. Since I do admire other designers work, I’ve also added from online sources to share a different perspective. There’s no profit from the display of these photos -- they are being shown for the informational and educational benefit of brides and aficionados of bridal fashion. I always list my source, providing a link back. If you feel an image here violates your intellectual property and/or copyrights, please email your concerns to me (amyjotatum@gmail.com) and I will gladly remove the photos in question. Thank you!

Best Wedding Blogs of 2018' from Bride Envy

STROTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

.

VICTORIA'S FLORALS AND EVENTS

Award winning hairstyling . .

CHATEAU DE BUIS

DIVINE ELEGANCE

True Vintage Fashion

Incredible Photography

PROMISES

Customized Wedding Ceremonies in The San Francisco Bay Area And Beyond